This remake involved 85 artist and musicians to support the Haitian Relief effort.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Celebrities and Haiti
Natural disasters are communality in the world today and when disaster strikes, relief organizations move into action providing food, aid, water and other necessary materials to help people survive the aftermath of that disaster. On January 12th 2010 at 4:53PM a 7.0 earthquake hit the country of Haiti. Houses slid down mountainsides, buildings crumbled, and thousands were injured and killed, leaving an already vulnerable and impoverished country in total chaos.
Within hours of the earthquake, musician Wyclef Jean put out a call to action. The Haitian-born singer took to the airwaves, asking the world and his celebrity friends to come forward and help.
Celebrities jump to take action during a time of crisis, whether it is in an act of charity or just to gain better publicity they rush to partner with an aid organization and encourage the world to raise funds for the afflicted area. After Wylcef's plea for help the Hollywood celebrity scene got on board; donating money, doing PSA's for Haiti and holding fundraisers- such as the ever popular telethon- Hope for Haiti- generated by George Clooney.
The influence of the celebrity and Haitian relief pushed fans and ordinary people to give any amount and utilizing new technology, such as using your cell phone, patrons could text their donations text HAITI to 50555 making a $5 donation to an organization.
Next celebrities took to the airwaves and remade a version of We are the World, with proceeds going to Haiti. In February 2010 "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti" became a charity single recorded by the 85 Artists for Haiti in 2010. It is a remake of the 1985 hit song "We Are the World", which was written by American musicians Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and was recorded by USA for Africa to benefit famine relief in Africa.
In the wake of the disaster in Haiti celebrities have gotten on board and pushed to raise funds and awareness for Haiti. The momentum was strong, but five months after the earthquake the tide has settled and the celebrity effort has died down. Look at this trend or rise and fall I cannot help but wonder who wins and who loses in this dilemma. The people of Haiti still need help and if the celebrity machine that was driving loses focus then the people of Haiti are forgotten. The influence of the celebrity can be powerful and that strength of star power has the ability to raise funds and get money to Haiti. Even if the act for the cause is selfish, the act is still impactful and can make a difference and get people engaged in the issue. Haiti still needs help to rebuild and recover from the earthquake and the celebrity machine is a crucial part of keeping Haiti on our lips and in our minds.
Within hours of the earthquake, musician Wyclef Jean put out a call to action. The Haitian-born singer took to the airwaves, asking the world and his celebrity friends to come forward and help.
Celebrities jump to take action during a time of crisis, whether it is in an act of charity or just to gain better publicity they rush to partner with an aid organization and encourage the world to raise funds for the afflicted area. After Wylcef's plea for help the Hollywood celebrity scene got on board; donating money, doing PSA's for Haiti and holding fundraisers- such as the ever popular telethon- Hope for Haiti- generated by George Clooney.
The influence of the celebrity and Haitian relief pushed fans and ordinary people to give any amount and utilizing new technology, such as using your cell phone, patrons could text their donations text HAITI to 50555 making a $5 donation to an organization.
Next celebrities took to the airwaves and remade a version of We are the World, with proceeds going to Haiti. In February 2010 "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti" became a charity single recorded by the 85 Artists for Haiti in 2010. It is a remake of the 1985 hit song "We Are the World", which was written by American musicians Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and was recorded by USA for Africa to benefit famine relief in Africa.
In the wake of the disaster in Haiti celebrities have gotten on board and pushed to raise funds and awareness for Haiti. The momentum was strong, but five months after the earthquake the tide has settled and the celebrity effort has died down. Look at this trend or rise and fall I cannot help but wonder who wins and who loses in this dilemma. The people of Haiti still need help and if the celebrity machine that was driving loses focus then the people of Haiti are forgotten. The influence of the celebrity can be powerful and that strength of star power has the ability to raise funds and get money to Haiti. Even if the act for the cause is selfish, the act is still impactful and can make a difference and get people engaged in the issue. Haiti still needs help to rebuild and recover from the earthquake and the celebrity machine is a crucial part of keeping Haiti on our lips and in our minds.
Immigration and Haiti
There have been several major migrations from Haiti to the United States. One was during the late 1950s after Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier became president, another during the 1980s and a third during the early 1990s.
Many of the Haitians that emigrated during the first wave opposed Duvalier and were from middle and upper class families. Duvalier declared himself “president for life” in 1964 and reigned over Haiti with the help of Milice de Volontaires de la Sécurité Nationale (MVSN), a paramilitary force. The MVSN, or as they’re more widely known, Tonton Macoutes, terrorized Haitians who disagreed with Duvalier’s policies. Eventually people from every class began to emigrate en masse.
The second wave was during the late 1970’s to the early 1980s while Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier was president. The younger Duvalier was known to be more interested in parties and continuing his lavish lifestyle than governing the nation. He did effect a series of cosmetic changes, but also continued the suppression of the Haitian people. His neglect helped to send the Haitian economy into an even faster downward spiral. By 1981, approximately 4,000 refugees per month were leaving Haiti and trying to get to Florida on anything deemed remotely seaworthy.
In 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristede was elected president. Aristede, a former priest, was very popular, however his term was cut short. After seven months, the army overthrew the Aristede government. A U.S. embargo placed on the country for three years did even more damage to the economy. During the next two years, a mass exodus occurred. Approximately 35,000 Haitians were intercepted at sea. While 11,000 were brought to the U.S. and allowed to apply for political asylum, the remaining 24,000 were returned to Haiti.
People at risk of persecution in their home countries are eligible for political asylum in the U.S. However, Haitian refugees are routinely held in detention centers and returned to Haiti despite the near certainty that they will be imprisoned or worse. The U.S. government insisted that the Haitians that were migrating were seeking to better themselves economically, not fleeing for their lives. At one point, the Coast Guard was ordered to forcibly return any intercepted boats to Haiti. This is in marked contrast to the U.S.’ “wet foot, dry foot” policy with Cuba. That policy provides that any Cubans who reach U.S. soil are allowed to stay in the country.
Despite all the upheavals in Haiti, the U.S. continues to ignore the problems that force Haitians to migrate. Countless Haitians have lost their lives trying to make the perilous crossing to America, but still the U.S. government refuses to treat Haitian refugees in an even-handed manner. Haitian people have contributed just as much to this country as any other group so immigration policies, particularly the political asylum process, should at least be applied fairly.
Many of the Haitians that emigrated during the first wave opposed Duvalier and were from middle and upper class families. Duvalier declared himself “president for life” in 1964 and reigned over Haiti with the help of Milice de Volontaires de la Sécurité Nationale (MVSN), a paramilitary force. The MVSN, or as they’re more widely known, Tonton Macoutes, terrorized Haitians who disagreed with Duvalier’s policies. Eventually people from every class began to emigrate en masse.
The second wave was during the late 1970’s to the early 1980s while Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier was president. The younger Duvalier was known to be more interested in parties and continuing his lavish lifestyle than governing the nation. He did effect a series of cosmetic changes, but also continued the suppression of the Haitian people. His neglect helped to send the Haitian economy into an even faster downward spiral. By 1981, approximately 4,000 refugees per month were leaving Haiti and trying to get to Florida on anything deemed remotely seaworthy.
In 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristede was elected president. Aristede, a former priest, was very popular, however his term was cut short. After seven months, the army overthrew the Aristede government. A U.S. embargo placed on the country for three years did even more damage to the economy. During the next two years, a mass exodus occurred. Approximately 35,000 Haitians were intercepted at sea. While 11,000 were brought to the U.S. and allowed to apply for political asylum, the remaining 24,000 were returned to Haiti.
People at risk of persecution in their home countries are eligible for political asylum in the U.S. However, Haitian refugees are routinely held in detention centers and returned to Haiti despite the near certainty that they will be imprisoned or worse. The U.S. government insisted that the Haitians that were migrating were seeking to better themselves economically, not fleeing for their lives. At one point, the Coast Guard was ordered to forcibly return any intercepted boats to Haiti. This is in marked contrast to the U.S.’ “wet foot, dry foot” policy with Cuba. That policy provides that any Cubans who reach U.S. soil are allowed to stay in the country.
Despite all the upheavals in Haiti, the U.S. continues to ignore the problems that force Haitians to migrate. Countless Haitians have lost their lives trying to make the perilous crossing to America, but still the U.S. government refuses to treat Haitian refugees in an even-handed manner. Haitian people have contributed just as much to this country as any other group so immigration policies, particularly the political asylum process, should at least be applied fairly.
Celebrities and Haiti: George Clooney on 'Hope for Haiti' Telethon
George Clooney talks about the Hope for Haiti telethon.
Celebrities and Haiti:Haiti telethon haul put at $57 million so far Celebrities unite in support of Haitian people with two hours of pleas
Haiti telethon haul put at $57 million so far
On Friday night, those efforts became collective as the biggest celebrities from music, film, sports and even politics joined together for the telethon. Stars like Mel Gibson, Reese Witherspoon and Julia Roberts manned telephone lines while CNN's Anderson Cooper gave reports about the situation from Haiti. Heartbreaking video showed Haitians buried in rubble and badly injured, with tears and overwhelming sorrow etched on their faces.
Celebrities unite in support of Haitian people with two hours of pleas
The Associated Press
updated 7:48 p.m. ET, Sat., Jan. 23, 2010
NEW YORK - Grim-faced celebrities and musicians with mournful tunes set the tone for the all-star, international "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon, which raised more than $57 million, preliminary figures showed.
The telethon featured two hours of desperate pleas for an even more-desperate nation, but it ended on a hopeful note, with a buoyant call for Haiti's revival by native son, Wyclef Jean.
"Enough of this moping man, let's rebuild Haiti, let's show 'em how we do it where we come from!" Jean shouted after singing the slow song "Rivers of Babylon," with a Haitian flag around his neck.
He segued into the joyful tune "Yele" with an island beat, as musicians danced around him, singing the refrain: "Earthquake, we see the earth shake, but the soul of the Haitian people will never break!"
It was a stark contrast from the opening of the telecast: no words, simply photos of Haiti's tragic citizens as a backdrop, as Alicia Keys called for the help of angels in somber tune.
“Can you send me an angel to guide me?” Keys sang from her song “Prelude to a Kiss.” There was no audience or applause, allowing the moment to sink in for the millions expected to watch.
"The Haitian people need our help," said George Clooney, who helped organize the two-hour telecast. "They need to know that they are not alone. They need to know that we still care."
Then, after an impassioned plea from Halle Berry, Bruce Springsteen dedicated a song for Haiti — "We Shall Overcome."
Since Haiti suffered the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12 that killed more than 200,000 people, the entertainment world has responded with an outpouring of charity, from million dollar donations to songs designed to raise money for relief.
The total of $57 million released Saturday includes money raised by phone, text and the Web. It does not include donations by corporations or via iTunes, where people are able to buy performances of the event for 99 cents each, or the entire album for $7.99. Those funds also go to Haiti relief.
"The public has set a new standard of giving for a relief telethon with 'Hope for Haiti Now,' and the donations continue to come in," Lisa Paulsen, president and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, said in a statement released Saturday. The group is helping to oversee the funds gathered from the event.
The "Hope for Haiti Now" CD is the biggest one-day pre-order in the site's history and the new song "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bono and the Edge, debuted during the telethon, is the No. 1 single on iTunes.
People can donate via text, phone or through the "Hope for Haiti" Web site, www.hopeforhaitinow.org, for the next six months. Among the organizations who will receive funds from the telethon include Oxfam America, UNICEF, and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation.
On Friday night, most of the musical performances were downbeat, emotional songs. John Legend sang "I Feel Like A Motherless Child." Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow sang "Lean On Me." Beyonce, with Coldplay's Chris Martin backing her on piano, revised her hit "Halo" with new lyrics: "Haiti we can see your halo, we pray you won't fade away."
Madonna provided one of the few upbeat moments with her choir-backed performance of "Like A Prayer," while Sting's "Driven To Tears" was also spirited.
Jay-Z, Rihanna and U2's Bono and The Edge debuted a new song, "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)," as Jay-Z rapped from London: "When the sky falls, and the earth quakes, we can gon' this back together, we won't break."
Mickelson Civil, a Haitian filmmaker, fought back tears as he talked about relatives who died and those who are barely surviving: "The survivors shouldn't have to go hungry or be afraid now," he said.
Jean made one of the more personal celebrity appeals of the evening, speaking of his experience after witnessing the torment of the nation first hand.
"I carried bodies of my people in the cemetery. They should have been walking," he said. "Instead they were heavy in my arms. ... Right now we can see the second wave of the disaster coming ... We have to make sure that the second wave never makes it to Haiti."
Jean ended his comments with a message directly to the Haitian people, in Creole. Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation is one of the groups that will benefit from the evening's donations; Jean had come under criticism for the spending practices of the foundation, and before the telethon Friday announced a new accounting firm to handle the group's finances after acknowledging past mistakes.
The telethon was broadcast from New York, London, Los Angeles and Haiti, and was featured on all the major networks and channels. It was also streamed live on sites like YouTube and MySpace.
Leonardo DiCaprio was among those celebrities who urged viewers to donate; on Thursday, he joined the list of previous celebrities donors with a $1 million gift to The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, one of several organizations that will benefit from the telethon.
John Mayer called in a $500,000 donation before the telethon began, according to a representative for MTV.
People were able to start donating even before the telethon at a newly established Web site, and also through text or telephone. Viewers will also be able to purchase performances from the evening on Saturday by way of iTunes for 99 cents, with those proceeds going to relief aid as well.
The telethon won't be the last major celebrity effort for Haiti; BET plans to hold its own all-star telethon on Feb. 5, with Diddy and Queen Latifah as hosts. It will also be aired on MTV and VH1.
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35023278/ns/entertainment-celebrities/
Friday, May 7, 2010
Haitian Community in Brooklyn
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Why Debt Matters
One of the phrases I frequently heard during coverage of Haiti's earthquake is that Haiti is “the poorest country in the western hemisphere.” It was repeated so often that it became sonic wallpaper. I was surprised that no one seemed concerned about the statement’s inaccuracy (Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas, not the entire hemisphere). I was less surprised that there was no attempt to put that statement into historical context. Haiti’s troubled economy did not happen in a vacuum but media portrays the country as though it is solely responsible for its economic problems. Most people were quick to look at the effects, but not the root causes. Between shots of shell-shocked survivors wandering the streets and correspondents breathlessly reporting about aid efforts, pundits pontificated about how government corruption is to blame for Haiti’s economy.
Immediately after the earthquake, media was focused on getting help to the people and rightfully so. However, during the subsequent four months there has still been no real effort to expose viewers to Haiti’s history or rich culture. Instead, there’s been a steady stream of reports about how tragic the Haitian people are. I thought that this would be an excellent opportunity for media to educate more Americans about Haiti and show that it is much more than a poverty-stricken country, but it never happened.
Perhaps media is reluctant to discuss the history of western countries’ relationship with Haiti because in doing so, it would also have to discuss issues such as France’s colonization and the U.S.’ occupation of Haiti. During the 18th century, Haiti was the largest sugar exporter in the world. Slaves toiled on the plantations until the Haitian Rebellion led by former slave Toussaint L’Ouverture. After defeating Napoleon’s troops, Haiti declared its independence in 1804. France demanded 150 million francs in gold from Haiti as reparations (read punishment) for the loss of one of its largest sources of income. Even though the amount was reduced to 60 million in the 1830s, the debt was, in effect, a crippling blow to the fledgling nation. Instead of building an infrastructure and institutions, Haiti teetered on the edge of bankruptcy while attempting to pay its debt. The U.S.’ relationship with Haiti also adversely affected its economy. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson sent marines to Haiti to remove $500,000 of the country’s reserves. The U.S. tried to force the Haitian legislature to adopt a new constitution designed to be advantageous to U.S. interests. When that was unsuccessful, the U.S. dissolved Haiti’s parliament and was the country’s de facto government until the end of the occupation in 1934. None of this excuses Haiti’s political instability (some of which was also fomented by the west) and corruption as contributing factors to the country’s present challenges. However these issues only compounded the problems that started with a country mired in the quicksand of overwhelming debt.
I can only hope that the next time a viewer hears “poorest country in the western hemisphere,” they will also know that Haiti did not become a poor nation solely because of malfeasance. That‘s an overly simplified argument presented by those invested in obfuscating the involvement of outside entities. The financial abuse of Haiti has been long-term and systemic. But I guess the media didn’t want to open that Pandora’s Box and ruin the U.S.’ “feel-good” moment.
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